Anthony brings 35 years of public service to the organization as it expands trail riding opportunities in Maryland

Frederick, MD — February 15, 2018 — The Maryland Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance, Inc. (MDOHVA) is pleased to announce that Daryl Anthony has joined its board of directors. Daryl recently retired from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he served as Assistant Secretary of Land Resources.

“Daryl has been instrumental in bringing new opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation to Maryland and is a strong supporter of the Maryland OHV Alliance. We’re excited to have him join our 9-member board as we continue to expand trail-riding opportunities in the State,” said Ken Kyler, organization president.

Anthony served as Assistant Secretary of Land Resources, starting that role in July of 2015. He first joined the department in 1983, as a contractual seasonal ranger at Patapsco Valley State Park, while earning his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Management at Frostburg State University. In 1995, he was promoted within the park service from sergeant and assistant park manager, and in 1999 to captain and southern region manager, and later served as regional manager in the central and western regions.

Daryl is an avid outdoorsman. He spends much of his free time mountain biking, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and most importantly exploring off-road trails throughout the country in his Jeep with his family and friends.

The Maryland OHV Alliance, Inc. is a State-wide body of off-highway vehicle recreation enthusiasts. It develops and provides a wide spectrum of programs, materials and information, or “tools,” to individuals, OHV clubs, associations and agencies in order to further a positive future for responsible OHV recreation. For more information go to http://mdohvalliance.org/ or email info@mdohvalliance.org.

We are looking for a volunteer who has experience writing promotional articles to help us write press releases as well as maintain our website and Facebook page. If you are interested, email us at info@mdohvalliance.org

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 establishing the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission (MORE). This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation resources.

“Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life,” said Governor Hogan. “This commission will help ensure that our state’s natural heritage is strengthened, bringing new businesses, increased tourism, and ultimately preserving our resources for future generations.”

The outdoor recreation economy in Maryland already generates 109,000 direct jobs, $14 billion in consumer spending, $4.4 billion in wages and salaries, and $951 million in state and local tax revenue. Investment in outdoor recreation and nature and heritage tourism economies support many outdoor activities in Maryland, including hiking, biking, horse-back riding, paddling, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, wildlife-viewing, and visiting historic sites.

As part of their work, the commission will develop innovative strategies to market Maryland’s unique outdoor and heritage recreation brand, as well as recommend initiatives to grow and attract new companies. Additionally, the commission will explore ways to retain and support Maryland’s existing outdoor recreation businesses.

The commission will be co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources Mark Belton and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce Mike Gill and comprised of seventeen members appointed by the co-chairs with the approval of the governor. Members will include representatives of companies within Maryland’s outdoor recreation manufacturing and retail industry; representatives of companies representing small business outdoor or heritage recreation service providers; nonprofit organizations; representatives of gateway cities, towns, or communities; and legislative members.

The commission will provide a final report to the gove

see http://governor.maryland.gov/2017/10/14/governor-larry-hogan-announces-maryland-outdoor-recreational-economic-commission/

Maryland OHV Alliance promotes safe, sustainable off road recreation in Maryland. The Alliance worked with the Dept of Natural Resources along with other State agencies and officials to open the first of its kind ORV Park in Maryland. Paul Peditto offers insight.

Remember you need to buy a pass before using the St. John’s Rock ORV Trail & Campground. Details in the link below. The Maryland OHV Alliance is working to open more ORV trails in Maryland – help us help you. Please use the trails and the park responsibly!

GRAND OPENING: St. John’s Rock Off-Road Vehicle Trail and Campground, July 21. First-ever ORV trail designed specifically for ORV enthusiasts and riders.The trail is scheduled to be open for day use and overnight camping later this month.

1. We have been extensively engaged with DNR over an opening date for the trails. The latest I received was “We have not reached substantial completion yet. We will not be able to open by July 6. We are working on our plan and we will share that with you ASAP. We are very close.” “Substantial completion” means the trail contractor has finish all but minor punch list items and control has been returned to DNR. Until then the contractor has exclusive use of the area.

2. DNR has publicly announced that “There is no limit on Day Use reservations without parking.” That means if you ride a tagged dirt bike or vehicle to the trail system, or if you park/camp nearby and ride/drive in, then all you need is a day-use permit and there is no limit on the number of riders/drivers. Of course, you need to legally ride from wherever you are to the trail system. (see http://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/orv/home.aspx)

DNR has posted information about the campground and the trails. Of particular interest is this statement “A total of 19 Day Use with parking reservations are available each day. There is no limit on Day Use reservations without parking.”

We have asked DNR to confirm the intent of the statement. As we read that, it appears that if you drive onto the trail system in a jeep, ATV or dirt-bike then all you need is a day-use permit and there is no limit on the number of those users. That in effect removes the upper limit of users on the trails. We think this is a good thing and are confirming with DNR.